tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51002851657308455052017-07-29T01:47:20.485-07:00The Call of the ShofarThe Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-77237861634933068182014-02-19T12:56:00.000-08:002014-02-19T12:56:13.801-08:00Sisters and Friends<div class="Publishwithline"><span style="color: windowtext;">Sisters and Friends</span><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></div><div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 2.0pt 0in;"><div class="underline"><br /></div></div><div class="PadderBetweenControlandBody"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My family consists of my parents, two brothers and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My upbringing was great and I was able to experience sports as a spectator and also a participant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I was in some ways a Tom girl always wanting to follow my brothers around and be involved in what they did when I was young.&nbsp;&nbsp;I knew how to relate to guys, but not to girls.&nbsp; I struggled for years to have healthy relationships with girls.&nbsp; One of the many blessings God has given me is showing me how to have a healthy relationship with other Christian women.&nbsp; He started guiding me even the day I was saved.&nbsp; I was at a girl friend’s home preparing for her wedding and I told Raymond to come get me to take me to church.&nbsp; That is the day I accepted Christ.&nbsp; That is also the day that this unhealthy relationship ended.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Through the years, God has given me some really beautiful relationships with Godly Christian women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He has given me friends and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here are a few important women in my life that have helped me live, laugh, love, and grow in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first person is in America in the wonderful state of Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We are both southern women who have education majors, love scrapbooking, and handsome sons that keep us busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She has made me laugh, think, and helped me prepare for missionary work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Her family has a heart of giving to others and serving people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I am thankful for her friendship and stepping back into her life while in America.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEMIJLXNsdA/UwUU5hNPheI/AAAAAAAAAL4/1P6MoM_sDXE/s1600/IMG_9296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEMIJLXNsdA/UwUU5hNPheI/AAAAAAAAAL4/1P6MoM_sDXE/s1600/IMG_9296.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phoebe &amp; I at Thanksgiving&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>The next person is my friend from the Netherlands, Debbie.&nbsp; She is a quirky friend that is full of energy and has taught me to laugh and enjoy life.&nbsp; She has reminded me to make sure I breathe through everything and put everything in God’s hands.&nbsp; She has became a part of our family in Uganda.&nbsp; We helped each other through our ups and downs of living in a foreign country.&nbsp; Raymond says that she knows how to bring a peace to me.&nbsp; She is my sister in Christ and I am forever changed by our friendship.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_YwzGjTiME/UwPAOBVaNYI/AAAAAAAAALQ/GJOM4U1gYSM/s1600/IMG_7576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_YwzGjTiME/UwPAOBVaNYI/AAAAAAAAALQ/GJOM4U1gYSM/s1600/IMG_7576.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Debbie - friend from the Netherlands and fellow teacher</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next group of ladies are special to me, because they are my Ugandan sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Esther and Margaret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Esther was my assistant in my 2<sup>nd</sup> grade class and Margaret was the assistant in the other 2<sup>nd</sup>grade class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Esther and I have the same birth month and a love of worshipping God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She is a worship leader for her church and has a heart to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>She helped me to learn to let go and let others help in getting the job done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I use to have trouble with trying to make everything perfect in the classroom and controlling everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I loved that we were able to lean on one another, share our struggles, fears, accomplishments, joy and life together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then Margaret came to the school and we were a fun trio enjoying the fellowship of sisters in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They taught me the real Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>A little of language, a lot of culture, and introduced me to wonderful Ugandan food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I am thankful that I was not just a white person, but someone they welcomed at their lunch table and willing to experience life with.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_2X-6RwqSg/UwPDhSQKXEI/AAAAAAAAALs/ZaFCnH8OVeg/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_2X-6RwqSg/UwPDhSQKXEI/AAAAAAAAALs/ZaFCnH8OVeg/s1600/IMG_6490.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther my Ugandan sister</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZCBdz9Uh4I/UwPAa6DHpGI/AAAAAAAAALY/TEw5Fk9oIJo/s1600/100_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZCBdz9Uh4I/UwPAa6DHpGI/AAAAAAAAALY/TEw5Fk9oIJo/s1600/100_1628.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret - &nbsp;my Ugandan sister</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Last, but never least, is my missionary sisters, Meg &amp; Kelly.&nbsp; They are both fellow missionaries with WGM in Uganda. They understand what it means to live in another country and feel overwhelmed by life.&nbsp; How bringing your children to a foreign country can be beautiful, but has its challenges.&nbsp; Most of all they know how following God’s call to ministry is precious.&nbsp; Sharing Christ to the Ugandan people is amazing. They each have their special ministry in Uganda and we all play a different role in bringing people to Christ.&nbsp; These are some of the wonderful mission family that I have prayed for and enjoyed ministry with the past year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Many of my fellow missionaries were so important to my journey in Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>All of us ladies held each other up in prayer, encouragement and friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I thank God also for Christine, Delight, Lisa, Joyce, Joanna &amp; Lisa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You inspire me to be a greater women and spirit led missionary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Many other ladies were also involved in my life in Uganda and I appreciate all the important ways that God used fellow women from around the world to encourage me.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heK2HDtZ7T0/UwPCU9DdQSI/AAAAAAAAALg/tHJ_qObUUm4/s1600/IMG_5083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-heK2HDtZ7T0/UwPCU9DdQSI/AAAAAAAAALg/tHJ_qObUUm4/s1600/IMG_5083.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray &amp; I with Christine &amp; Jeff</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYn3JFOm7TU/UwUV5Oe5O6I/AAAAAAAAAMA/jevShqU2U84/s1600/14054_4741852504426_281431391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYn3JFOm7TU/UwUV5Oe5O6I/AAAAAAAAAMA/jevShqU2U84/s1600/14054_4741852504426_281431391_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joyce &amp; George with us on my birthday</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFJ_8XaAOAY/UwUV98pNi5I/AAAAAAAAAMI/KjvjCJZ4GBM/s1600/135287_10151146132079147_1519744183_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFJ_8XaAOAY/UwUV98pNi5I/AAAAAAAAAMI/KjvjCJZ4GBM/s1600/135287_10151146132079147_1519744183_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving Field picture - All my mission family</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFBnciOMrGI/UwUWCSTNwcI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/MWh5pO6LM-c/s1600/337293_10151053549699147_1571829070_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hFBnciOMrGI/UwUWCSTNwcI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/MWh5pO6LM-c/s1600/337293_10151053549699147_1571829070_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September Group Picture</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb-vT6yEPCs/UwUWF-zyp9I/AAAAAAAAAMY/g0cg4NQvpRY/s1600/551173_637992970113_1853931214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eb-vT6yEPCs/UwUWF-zyp9I/AAAAAAAAAMY/g0cg4NQvpRY/s1600/551173_637992970113_1853931214_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca, Lisa, Jean &amp; I looking at Lake Victoria</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uutYzp8xW18/UwUWIVvU5NI/AAAAAAAAAMg/eLBr6-xnbnA/s1600/1395979_10200733491039822_1178660926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uutYzp8xW18/UwUWIVvU5NI/AAAAAAAAAMg/eLBr6-xnbnA/s1600/1395979_10200733491039822_1178660926_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delight &amp; I hanging out here in the states</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So ladies, thank you for helping me grow deeper in Christ, experience life together, and serve the Lord together.</div><w:sdt contentlocked="t" id="89512093" sdtgroup="t"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr><w:sdt docpart="825C4BA6B87F4449AB79631B441B9782" id="89512082" storeitemid="X_52100F4B-7F6A-45BF-B50A-E89B7DFD037D" text="t" title="Post Title" xpath="/ns0:BlogPostInfo/ns0:PostTitle"></w:sdt></span> </w:sdt> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">Your sister and friend,</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Nicole</div>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-70079506771668171672014-01-30T19:20:00.001-08:002014-01-30T19:20:33.928-08:00February 2014 Ministry Update & Schedule<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Greetings everyone! We are starting to travel for the month of February in the Southeastern states with a heavy concentration of activities in Florida. We want to start a drive to pass our biggest hurdle. In the next two months, we would like to gain 80 new champions for the ministry needs we have. Even if you are not able to support us directly, perhaps you could host us in your home and have the same re</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">sult of connecting us to the champions that the Lord has for us. Most of our weekend days are filled, but we still have some Wednesday nights and most other weekday nights(or days) open. Would your church be willing to invite us to speak on Wednesday evening? Do you have a small group that would like to hear how the Lord is moving in other parts of the world? If you would like to partner with us or are interested in hosting us, please let us know. We would love for you to introduce us to your church, family and friends. &nbsp;Even if we are not able to meet with them in the month of February, we still need to fill dates in the months to come. &nbsp;Please be in prayer for the following events and we would love to see many of you at the wonderful churches that have already invited us to share.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">January 31st &amp; February 1st - Traveling to Florida</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 1st - Avon Park Holiness Camp - 6:30 pm Service</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 1st-7th - Enjoying the services at Avon Park Holiness Camp&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 9th - Faith Wesleyan Church in Lakeland, FL - 6:00 pm Service &nbsp;will attend in the morning service&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 12th - Lake Gibson Church of the Nazarene &nbsp;in Lakeland, FL - 7:00 pm Service</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 13th -21st - Enjoying the services at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;Florida Holiness Campground</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 15th - Home meeting</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 16th - Highland Park Church of the Nazarene</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:30 am Joy Sunday School Class</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6:00 pm Chapel Service</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 23rd - North Fort Myers Church of the Nazarene - 10:45 am Service</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">February 24th-25th - Travel back to Wilmore, KY</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">While we are staying at Avon Park Holiness Camp &amp; Florida Holiness Camp we would love the opportunity to share a meal with you if you are there. &nbsp;Lakeland, there are no meals served in the evenings at the Florida Holiness Campground, so we are wondering if we can invite ourselves over for dinner? &nbsp;This will help us to keep costs down. &nbsp;Let us know if you would like us to join you for a meal.</span><br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">May the Lord bless you all!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Nicole &amp; Raymond Leisure</span></span>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-49136482985486897242014-01-25T12:10:00.002-08:002014-01-25T15:59:55.050-08:00Thanking Jesus for my husband<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am thanking Jesus for my husband today and his willingness to go where God has called us.&nbsp; Raymond and I celebrated in November our 20<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary.&nbsp; When I reflect on how God brought the two of us from opposite sides of the country together in a small town in Minnesota.&nbsp; Even though Ray &amp; I did not have a personal relationship with Christ, we can now see how God had his hand in our lives even back then.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">.<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_0" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="1991 Ray&amp;Nicole Camp.jpg" style='width:156pt;height:219.75pt; visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Nicole\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg" o:title="1991 Ray&amp;Nicole Camp"/></v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2vudtFBVOw/UuQUo1csqeI/AAAAAAAAAI4/nlspYMC35zc/s1600/1991+Ray&amp;Nicole+Camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2vudtFBVOw/UuQUo1csqeI/AAAAAAAAAI4/nlspYMC35zc/s1600/1991+Ray&amp;Nicole+Camp.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rTV24U8Mmg/UuQUrUFjfnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/n1Jp0PT3xr0/s1600/1993+Wedding+R&amp;N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rTV24U8Mmg/UuQUrUFjfnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/n1Jp0PT3xr0/s1600/1993+Wedding+R&amp;N.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>God could direct what seemed impossible then and he was able to direct what seemed impossible now by sending us to Uganda.&nbsp; I am so proud of the heart of Ray and his willingness to say to God – send me and I will use the gifts you have given me to serve fellow missionaries and the Ugandan people.&nbsp; Over the year Ray was able to help with networking set up at Heritage International School.&nbsp; He was also able to assist in IT work at the school, fix laptops for Africa Gospel Church pastors, missionaries, teachers, and students at the school.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fm0nENTluM/UuQXknx9QsI/AAAAAAAAAJU/s41a3hCCIYA/s1600/Computer+Repair+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fm0nENTluM/UuQXknx9QsI/AAAAAAAAAJU/s41a3hCCIYA/s1600/Computer+Repair+picture.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Inside of a laptop that Ray fixed (one of many)</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Then he was able to work with helping to maintain and coordinate maintenance on the missionary vehicles and other various jobs for our World Gospel Mission family.&nbsp; Ray was able to research and explore alternate fuels, cooking sources and water systems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="IMG_3735.JPG" style='width:159pt;height:238.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Nicole\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.jpg" o:title="IMG_3735"/></v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRtx1uTDg8/UuQXefyID7I/AAAAAAAAAJM/FfltYN5tMvw/s1600/Mwato+stove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRtx1uTDg8/UuQXefyID7I/AAAAAAAAAJM/FfltYN5tMvw/s1600/Mwato+stove.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWjs9IgCwh8/UuQZh-cxX4I/AAAAAAAAAJg/-0O1bAWDLuQ/s1600/Mwato+stove+burning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWjs9IgCwh8/UuQZh-cxX4I/AAAAAAAAAJg/-0O1bAWDLuQ/s1600/Mwato+stove+burning.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mwato stove that he used and shared with the Ugandans</div>&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYlsPOjIZOg/UuQXpdp7RwI/AAAAAAAAAJc/OYCFjdqMsVo/s1600/Bio+gas+tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYlsPOjIZOg/UuQXpdp7RwI/AAAAAAAAAJc/OYCFjdqMsVo/s1600/Bio+gas+tank.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UB7BFaNexWQ/UuQUn14UutI/AAAAAAAAAI0/A4dkmXowAkI/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UB7BFaNexWQ/UuQUn14UutI/AAAAAAAAAI0/A4dkmXowAkI/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Raymond working on his Bio Gas system<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxwbiRXTHn0/UuQUiRZjvDI/AAAAAAAAAIs/YQVgBbr38Ds/s1600/IMG_6520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxwbiRXTHn0/UuQUiRZjvDI/AAAAAAAAAIs/YQVgBbr38Ds/s1600/IMG_6520.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The final results of the Bio Gas system was to be able to boil water.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Five years ago he was following me to Africa wondering what his purpose in the short term mission trip was all about.&nbsp; I remember him talking to an African Pastor that was visiting us in Florida, before our first trip.&nbsp; Ray was trying to explain many possibilities that the Pastor could do and the Pastor explained to him that God had given him the mind to understand and use the principles.&nbsp; They could not just read the information like him and make it happen.&nbsp; Ray then arrived in Uganda and his heart was opened to how he could help the missionaries and the Ugandans.&nbsp; So I am Thanking Jesus for my husband and his servant heart and mind.</div>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-13400759901826681972013-11-07T13:49:00.001-08:002013-11-07T13:49:44.256-08:00Thank you Jesus for your Word!When thinking about how thankful I am about my life. &nbsp;I found myself also thinking of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that we serve in Uganda. What is the one thing that has impacted my life and also them? &nbsp;My soul is shouting God's precious word, the Bible. &nbsp;God's presence is with us and the Holy Spirit to make the word come alive. &nbsp;God is welcoming us in his arms and the words he ordained can speak to us.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMq3IolOZhM/UnwDSupa4AI/AAAAAAAAAHo/7KtqxjzR8W8/s1600/100_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMq3IolOZhM/UnwDSupa4AI/AAAAAAAAAHo/7KtqxjzR8W8/s320/100_1661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;The precious words of<br />Isaiah 58:9 - "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."<br />John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."<br />Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. &nbsp;And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfNQLJaE-30/UnwDaxqWgUI/AAAAAAAAAH0/FBwb7Aup0fM/s1600/100_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfNQLJaE-30/UnwDaxqWgUI/AAAAAAAAAH0/FBwb7Aup0fM/s320/100_1660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />There are many words in the Bible that God has used to draw us to seek Him, grow closer in communion with Him, and cry out to Him in our times of trails. &nbsp;So Thank you Jesus for your Word that called my heart to kneel at an alter 15 years ago seeking your forgiveness, grace, and love forevermore. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjcHYaApWJc/UnwD0stiUWI/AAAAAAAAAH8/QRWYXMCQk5s/s1600/101_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjcHYaApWJc/UnwD0stiUWI/AAAAAAAAAH8/QRWYXMCQk5s/s320/101_0928.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Our brothers and sisters in Uganda are searching for God, just as I did 15 years ago. &nbsp;They are hungry to hear and read the word. &nbsp;Not all our able to have their own bible. &nbsp;The women here share this bible during a service. &nbsp;It is written in their native language. This church is in the heart of tea fields outside of the Kampala area. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOEzhsYVMoI/UnwD6mroiCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/bYK7tr0DxvE/s1600/101_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOEzhsYVMoI/UnwD6mroiCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/bYK7tr0DxvE/s320/101_0934.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Even the children our eager to see and read the word! &nbsp;The Ugandan people I found were eager for the word of God. &nbsp;When visiting another church the pastor even asked me to read my New International Version of scripture, so the congregation could hear the words spoken in another translation. &nbsp;How precious it is to share a scripture and word of encouragement to help them on their journey of growing in Christ. So tell us what scripture are you thanking Jesus for today!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-89852706838249885922013-11-01T18:14:00.000-07:002013-11-01T18:14:31.243-07:00A Month of Thanksgiving<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">November is a special month for me. &nbsp;I have always cherished the time with family and friends during the Thanksgiving Holidays. &nbsp;Thanksgiving was one of the 2 holidays that I celebrated growing up. &nbsp;Being together with family and friends and enjoying some great food was the highlight.. &nbsp;One year ago I was working with my second graders in Uganda preparing a chapel service of Thanking Jesus. &nbsp;So I would like to show you what my family is thankful for here in the States and in Uganda. &nbsp;Stop by all month and see how God has been a blessing in our lives.</span></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6UHPdpKuTA/UnRPhlFOLoI/AAAAAAAAAHc/z27CDhPPA_0/s1600/Thankful+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6UHPdpKuTA/UnRPhlFOLoI/AAAAAAAAAHc/z27CDhPPA_0/s320/Thankful+poster.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my students made this sign and we took pictures with it. &nbsp;Due to privacy I am not able to share their faces, but it is a picture of 5 handsome boys from Uganda, Eritrean, and America. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Let us know what you Thank Jesus for!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-22985923700094331722013-08-27T18:13:00.003-07:002013-08-27T18:13:54.386-07:00America - My home?We came back to America in June 2013. &nbsp;It has been crazy travelling on the road since we arrived. &nbsp;Living out of a suitcase and travelling all over the USA east of the Mississippi River. We have&nbsp;traveled many miles on the road meeting new people and updating everyone of our journey over the last year. We have now arrived to our new home in Wilmore, KY. &nbsp;It is wonderful to be settled in a place that we can call home. Have a schedule, cook for ourselves, and explore how God wants to use us here in America. <br /><br />One of the interesting things we have realized, when people ask us, "Where are you from?". &nbsp;My heart says Uganda, but to many Americans they find that strange. &nbsp;Yes, home is where you put your head at night, where you grew up, where your roots come from, but it is also where your heart is. &nbsp;I did not expect to feel so strongly that we left our home in Uganda. It is where I will return to and it is where I long to be. &nbsp;Yes, I love to hug and kiss my family and friends. &nbsp;Go eat in a restaurant of food that I have not eaten in a long time. &nbsp;Watch American TV, play games, go shopping, drive on paved roads. &nbsp;There is still one thing that remains. &nbsp;My heart and soul long to walk on the red dirt streets of Uganda, the sound of the "monkey birds" as they call out above my house, the dancing and singing to God in a language that I am still trying to understand, and the joy of a small child greeting me at my car - walking me hand and hand into a small village church. <br /><br />The people of Uganda, my teacher friends from around the world, and my missionary family that I worked with daily. &nbsp;They stole a piece of my heart and will keep it until I return safely to them in Uganda. &nbsp;So yes, my homeland is America, but my home is in Uganda, Africa. &nbsp;Will you pray with us, for our return to Uganda? &nbsp;We want to build a whole new team of prayer warriors to walk with us on this journey. &nbsp;Contact us and let us know if you want to join the team. &nbsp;We would love to introduce you to our home!The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-91154025038955490142013-05-07T11:32:00.001-07:002013-05-07T11:32:12.357-07:0024/7 Prayer Room: Not just Preachers Needed!Check out Ray's video over at the WGM Uganda Blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://247prayeruganda.blogspot.com/2013/05/not-just-preachers-needed.html?spref=bl">24/7 Prayer Room: Not just Preachers Needed!</a>: Hope this video by Ray Leisure opened your eyes to the many ways you can be a missionary in Uganda or around the world.&nbsp; God can use ...The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-72829135033578882122013-04-24T08:52:00.001-07:002013-04-24T08:52:04.627-07:0024/7 Prayer Room: Leisure Family: How They Got HereHere is another blog over at WGM Uganda Blog.<br /><br /><a href="http://247prayeruganda.blogspot.com/2013/04/leisure-family-how-they-got-here.html?spref=bl">24/7 Prayer Room: Leisure Family: How They Got Here</a>: Ever wonder if God could use you on the mission field?&nbsp; Feel like you don't have "the right" skills?&nbsp; We're excited ...The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-18568754042618126142013-04-24T08:50:00.001-07:002013-04-24T08:50:41.388-07:0024/7 Prayer Room: Fight the Good FightWe are blogging in April at the WGM Uganda blog.&nbsp; Check out the link below as well as the 2 other posts from this month.<br /><br /><a href="http://247prayeruganda.blogspot.com/2013/04/fight-good-fight.html?spref=bl">24/7 Prayer Room: Fight the Good Fight</a>: I once was told that I had a fighter spirit in me. That I do not give up and have determination for the cause. My cause for so long has been...The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-61622657600048964452013-04-01T12:21:00.001-07:002013-04-01T12:21:02.833-07:00AruaIn January, we had the chance to travel to Northwest Uganda to city called Arua.&nbsp; We had the privelege of spending time with WGM missionaries in the city.&nbsp; It was so refreshing to get out of the city.&nbsp; We enjoy Kampala where we live, but it is a huge metopolitatan city.&nbsp; <br /><br />When you get just a short time out of the city the country is very beautiful and diverse with it's landscape.&nbsp; It was a about a 8 hour drive to Arua by car.&nbsp; The roads are just like the scenery, very diverse.&nbsp; Sometimes they are smooth and others rough and bumpy with a lot of potholes.&nbsp; We stopped at a road side diner with working toilets about half way there.&nbsp; Great place for a snack in the middle of no where.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4b_WfNgOaw/UVmAnFyc1XI/AAAAAAAAAE4/l8FdMNtRkG4/s1600/101_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4b_WfNgOaw/UVmAnFyc1XI/AAAAAAAAAE4/l8FdMNtRkG4/s320/101_1390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Arua is a small town with a very diverse population that is very close to South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A29CY-A3MGA/UVmPSPbKcWI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iDt9fVh4vRY/s1600/101_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A29CY-A3MGA/UVmPSPbKcWI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iDt9fVh4vRY/s320/101_1379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Life is much simplier.&nbsp; The missionaries have solar power at their homes.&nbsp; So some of the convienences we have in the city are not possible.&nbsp; Clothes have to be washed by hand and hung out to dry.&nbsp; They have a solar water heater, so when the hot water is gone, no more till more is heated by the sun.&nbsp; If you use up the electricity, you have no more electricity.&nbsp; With&nbsp;the four of us staying with&nbsp;the Rambo family of 5, we ran out of electricity the last morning before we left.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sun was not up yet, when we got up to leave, so out came the flashlights.&nbsp; If you don't have to turn on the lights or use electricity, don't use it.&nbsp; If you need some clothes ironed you have to use a charcoal iron.&nbsp; And Meg Rambo had a threadle sewing machine, so she would not use electricity.&nbsp; You use foot power to run it.<br /><br />The Rambo &amp; Coppedge family are involved in&nbsp; pastor training in the area.&nbsp; We were able to see&nbsp;prepration for a pastor retreat.&nbsp; Joshua &amp; Raymond were able to go with a missionary volunteer CT, to a boys home to play soccer and share a bible story&nbsp;&nbsp; Nicole was able to attend a womens bible study with the expatriate community.&nbsp; And we were able to see the market area for food and fabric.&nbsp; During this time, we were able to&nbsp;meet some of the various Ugandans that the missionaries work with and&nbsp;build relationships with&nbsp;in the community.<br /><br />One woman, Rose, is a tailor that we hired to make Katherine and Nicole a skirt out of the fabric we bought.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_NB1lFK9zI/UVnXDLcLHrI/AAAAAAAAAFw/6AxVPHNcdBs/s1600/101_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_NB1lFK9zI/UVnXDLcLHrI/AAAAAAAAAFw/6AxVPHNcdBs/s320/101_1373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Katherine and Nicole with the tailor -&nbsp;Rose</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O36WEPv6VPU/UVnXjIyYrII/AAAAAAAAAGE/zTJ8aprKz54/s1600/101_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O36WEPv6VPU/UVnXjIyYrII/AAAAAAAAAGE/zTJ8aprKz54/s320/101_1375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Raymond with the carver</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please&nbsp;pray for the missionaries in Arua and the work they do to further the Kingdom of God.&nbsp; As I am writing this the Rambo family has left for the United States to raise funds to continue the ministry in&nbsp;Africa.&nbsp; Please pray for the continued support to these two beautiful families.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_XBqXFoEV8/UVnZfkj1VXI/AAAAAAAAAGI/DfA8YLYhffY/s1600/101_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_XBqXFoEV8/UVnZfkj1VXI/AAAAAAAAAGI/DfA8YLYhffY/s320/101_1386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coppedge Family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-AXNfrowU4/UVnbA9jZC5I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/VzMsxXwRB58/s1600/MegRambo+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-AXNfrowU4/UVnbA9jZC5I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/VzMsxXwRB58/s320/MegRambo+and+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meg Rambo with both families kids</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enGy4xAnwZA/UVmP8maHgiI/AAAAAAAAAFk/V0yHqUmlNVw/s1600/101_1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enGy4xAnwZA/UVmP8maHgiI/AAAAAAAAAFk/V0yHqUmlNVw/s320/101_1383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scott Rambo with son Josiah in front of their house in Arua</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0Kampala, Uganda0.3136111 32.5811111000000440.059557099999999974 32.258387600000042 0.56766509999999992 32.903834600000046tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-43113400982517094672013-04-01T01:58:00.000-07:002013-04-01T01:58:10.982-07:00Shopping in Uganda <br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I thought I would tell you about shopping in Uganda. When you go shopping here, you have to plan a good half day to full day to get every where you need to go. When I am shopping for groceries, I have to plan anywhere from 4-6 stops to get everything I need. Depending on how much time you have can also depend on where you go as well.<br /> <br />I use to coupon in the states. Buy multiple items of the same thing to get it at the lowest price when I added my coupons. Here you figure out who has the cheapest prices on different things and you go to that store. I still buy many items, especially if the price is good.<br /> <br /><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>Here in Uganda, I go to the butcher (meat store), the produce stand, and then a few different supermarkets. Each supermarket varies in size and all of them have food items, but also home items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>One store called Capital we go to even though it is across town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It has our favorite bread and really good prices on cleaning products and food items. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>We also have a store called Game which is owned by Wal-mart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So we see some Wal-mart brand things in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They have weekly sales that you always want to check out for specific household items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Shoprite is another store that reminds me a lot of big grocery stores in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We can get cheese cheap there and a few other items cheaper there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Cheese is very expensive, it usually cost around $5 or more for a small chunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>A large chunk cost about $10-$12 for a good tasting brand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So going to a store that puts cheese on sale is wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We even have one other store called Embassy that is near the US Embassy that usually has some American items and a few other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is the closest store when I just need a few things.<br /> <br /><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>Here are a few pictures I took of a couple of stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The objective is the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You shop where you can find the best prices and the items you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Shopping it is always an adventure in Africa.<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCdw-j3_SRM/UVlI40WYfDI/AAAAAAAAAEI/O0fwUJPgMTg/s1600/101_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCdw-j3_SRM/UVlI40WYfDI/AAAAAAAAAEI/O0fwUJPgMTg/s320/101_1076.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>&nbsp;Meat Market<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWgUw1A1cVA/UVlJEh3FmTI/AAAAAAAAAEY/OTYT9ygUYLM/s1600/101_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWgUw1A1cVA/UVlJEh3FmTI/AAAAAAAAAEY/OTYT9ygUYLM/s320/101_1079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Eddie the produce man in front of Embassy Supermarket<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNlgVaFr9j8/UVlJA9sG8ZI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/uI9o6mhrvh0/s1600/101_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNlgVaFr9j8/UVlJA9sG8ZI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/uI9o6mhrvh0/s320/101_1082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Typical Supermarket that you see all over the place.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgqvGrI79Ow/UVlJO8b1CjI/AAAAAAAAAEg/gB63Ih10qew/s1600/101_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AgqvGrI79Ow/UVlJO8b1CjI/AAAAAAAAAEg/gB63Ih10qew/s320/101_1077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;This is a mall.&nbsp; It has another grocery store, hair salons, nail salons, pizza place, dry cleaners and even a Ice skating rink.&nbsp; You skate on a type of plastic.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XkmBn9p3gY/UVlJUejCEuI/AAAAAAAAAEo/nN8nj-4FGNQ/s1600/101_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XkmBn9p3gY/UVlJUejCEuI/AAAAAAAAAEo/nN8nj-4FGNQ/s320/101_1086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a supermarket that is very close to our house and has a little ice cream shop.&nbsp; We love to have a treat of ice cream.&nbsp; You can get a&nbsp;mini cup for around a $1. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Shopping Everyone!</div>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-37484735418011955792012-12-19T06:17:00.002-08:002012-12-19T06:17:41.811-08:00Sickness <br />We have been here since August 2012 and have had our fair share of sickness. Even while I write this, I am dealing with sickness. When you come into a new environment, you seem to get a lot of things. I had to go through 3 weeks of treatment back in October for an infection. When we are sick, it stops us from the work God has brought us to do. Sometimes it is very discouraging. <br /> <br />I will tell you a little about the process here in Africa. I go to a local hospital that is considered one of the best in the city. It happens to be not to far from my house. When you arrive, you check into a desk. They give you a slip of paper and you go and pay the bill. Some do have accounts, but they have to have their index finger scanned for verification. When I see the doctors at the clinic, I pay about $8-9. If I see a specialist, then I pay about $20-$25.<br /> <br />I then go back with my paid receipt and then I am put on the list for the nurse to take my vitals. Once I have my vitals taken, I then wait for the doctor. Each part of the process, you sit and wait on wooden benches outside. It is a covered waiting area, but it is outside. When you see the doctor, they bring you in to sit in office chairs, next to the doctor’s desk. I never laid down on a bed or was offered the bed, unless it was necessary. It is not being mean - I think being a efficient. The doctor checked my ears for infection, but that does not need a bed. It is funny, how we seem to think we always need a bed when we go to the doctors.<br /> <br />I was asked to go get blood drawn and urine checked. We then have to go and pay the cashier first. Which I will say is usually another long line, since a lot of people pay cash. It is ok - it is just a part of the process. The positive is that I have gotten to know the cashier Ronnie by showing patience and kindness. That is the key to everything you do in Uganda. Smile, greet, and be patience. The workers remember you and will treat you nicely when you do. So after I get the test done I wait somewhere else and then I am called to see the doctor when they get the results.<br /> <br />The difference in the states, you usually stay in one room, lay on a bed and they take blood, and you wait in that same room. Here you just transfer to different places, so they can see the next patient. I kind of like it. They also have a pharmacy right on sight. No traveling is needed. This is very nice to have one right there. <br /> <br />They have a cafeteria, but the difference is that it is outside. You can sit down and be served or can get things to go. There is hard working people that want to help in every area of the hospital. Not much different than the states. The bonus is I don't have to pay a huge amount of money. I am trying to still be a light to the people, even when I am sick.<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></div>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-3910042730195649202012-12-17T11:46:00.003-08:002012-12-17T11:46:53.120-08:00We raise our white flags<span class="userContent"> </span><br />Passion Conference came to Uganda at the end of September. We thought we were just going to a concert, but we did not realize we were going to a life changing experience. A group of us from Heritage International School went together in two buses. There was in the group older adults, parents, singles, and teens. So many of us were transformed by the concert that night. Most of us were from America or Europe going to our first concert in Uganda. When we arrived at the University where it was being held, we were greeted by a line of people welcoming us to the event. <br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fri-qYjiYtw/UM9z93gbA1I/AAAAAAAAADE/NTRDLktXXQ4/s1600/Passion+Conference+Nicole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fri-qYjiYtw/UM9z93gbA1I/AAAAAAAAADE/NTRDLktXXQ4/s320/Passion+Conference+Nicole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Passion Team started the concert with a declaration to the Lord. A woman read Isaiah 61 - The Year of Jubilee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Uganda celebrated 50 years of independence on October 9<sup>th</sup>, 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Isaiah 61 was given to me over 3 years ago as I was preparing to become a missionary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I opened my bible and found that scripture marked with an “x”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have read the scripture many times before this day happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>When the woman began quoting scripture, I knew God was going to show me something that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The rest of the night was in many ways indescribable, just like the song, Chris Tomlin sings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We were near the stage in a sea of Ugandans, but we were celebrating as brothers and sisters in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We did not know until after wards that we were in a sea of 20 to 30 thousand people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We were declaring victory over this country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>God’s victory!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>“We all raised our white flags, we surrendered all for Christ.”<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckucykzUIzI/UM92WadqO-I/AAAAAAAAADU/jV5xfGPWdBg/s1600/389918_431995436856591_212688787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckucykzUIzI/UM92WadqO-I/AAAAAAAAADU/jV5xfGPWdBg/s320/389918_431995436856591_212688787_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This picture is from the Passion group.</div><br /> <br />We spent time in prayer with those around us, for our nation, for the people, for the pastors, for our leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We also prayed for the next city on the tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Louie Giglio gave the message and even showed us how the universe is constantly in worship to its creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He joined the music of stars in the galaxy and whales to make a beautiful chorus to God.<br /> <br />Dancing with all the sea of African brothers and sisters was the most exhilarating experience of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>May we always have the passion of Christ, to proclaim the good news to all the nations!<br /> The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-56453775148237613382012-10-12T07:21:00.001-07:002012-10-12T07:21:42.161-07:00 Healing touch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMffhFfK9e0/UHgP-AfzWnI/AAAAAAAAACw/8Tv0t0ig2ms/s1600/101_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMffhFfK9e0/UHgP-AfzWnI/AAAAAAAAACw/8Tv0t0ig2ms/s320/101_1121.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Roses!&nbsp; A beautiful creation by God.&nbsp; These roses I got from my own yard here in Uganda.&nbsp; I always wanted to plant and take care of roses like my mother did as I grew up.&nbsp; The beauty and scents remind me of my childhood and the joy I saw of my mother growing them.&nbsp; A lot of women I know love flowers and appreciate them from their loved ones.&nbsp; I am no different, I love to receive flowers from others and I like to give flowers to others.<br /><br />These flowers bring me great joy, because I came just at the right time to be here when they bloomed.&nbsp; For many weeks and maybe even months, roses are just a thorny bush.&nbsp; Nothing special about them.&nbsp; That is until God's delicate creations begin to open up.&nbsp; This reminds me of God's healing touch and how he has transformed me.<br /><br />It all started in May 1998, two days before my daughter was born.&nbsp; I did my duty and went to church with my parents, but God had other plans.&nbsp; He used my parents and a wonderful missionary to transform my life.&nbsp; The prayer of a World Gospel Missionary from Africa prayed for me.&nbsp; That was the day I decided to find out about God and never stopped.&nbsp; I accepted his redeeming love in December of that year.&nbsp; I grew in him, but went through many trials.<br /><br />The trails were my health - I began suffering from Asthma.&nbsp; The smell of flowers, perfume, chemicals, and smoke would start an attack.&nbsp; I lived in fear of some of God's creations.&nbsp; I had to tell my husband and everyone to not give me flowers anymore.&nbsp; No more candles in the house or anyone wearing perfume.&nbsp; I forgot one important scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." ESV<br /><br />The fear continued with other medical conditions - depression, car accident injuries of bulging discs, whiplash, and migraines.&nbsp; I was filled with fear and pain while trying to still be one of God's redeemed children.&nbsp;&nbsp; God revealed himself to me, by giving me a call to Africa.&nbsp; He had a plan, I just had to trust him.&nbsp; When I began to release that pain and fear and call upon him - he healed me.&nbsp;He opened me up and removed the fear and&nbsp;the pain.&nbsp; He did that on Mother's Day 2008, 10 years after the missionary from Africa prayed for me.&nbsp; He did it after he had given my husband conformation that we were to come to Africa.<br /><br />I was able to smell again, I was able to breathe in his delicate creation.&nbsp; I can enjoy what he created for me and everyone else on this earth.&nbsp;Now I am in a country that has many smells and also smoke. His healing touch allows me to do his work here everyday.&nbsp; God brought me to a foreign land to remember how he redeems those that have forgot to have a "spirit of love and self control."&nbsp; I pray that you remember God's unfailing love and how he has redeemed you.The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-90953705702302275912012-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:002012-10-11T12:00:01.646-07:00Coming Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRALSTDfpX4/UHa3bNmaBSI/AAAAAAAAAB4/DnteFiJh4BE/s1600/101_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRALSTDfpX4/UHa3bNmaBSI/AAAAAAAAAB4/DnteFiJh4BE/s320/101_1023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a picture of our house in Uganda.&nbsp; A home that provides shelter, warmth, and so much more.&nbsp; The journey getting here was so crazy and amazing all in one.&nbsp; I arrived first and then Raymond &amp; the kids soon followed.&nbsp; We moved into this house August 14, 2012.&nbsp; God knew this is the land he wanted us to come to.&nbsp; <br /><br />Part of the journey started four years earlier when he brought us to Uganda in June 2008.&nbsp; After arriving I remember hearing God's still voice saying Welcome Home.&nbsp; I didn't know then how that would transform me.&nbsp; I was a small town girl who was on her first mission trip.&nbsp; My husband had been on many mission trips using all of his skills and I stayed back each time and prayed.&nbsp; This time God was calling me to lead my family to Africa.&nbsp; <br /><br />The pictures of that time in Uganda were etched in my heart.&nbsp; The people with joy in their heart, because God was their Savior.&nbsp; The same God that was my Savior.&nbsp; We were of different skin color, but was rejoicing in how God redeemed us.&nbsp; My heart stayed here in Africa when I left and longed for the day I would return.<br /><br />When I arrived in August, I wondered how I would feel.&nbsp; Would the sites of beauty, proverty, and big city surprise me?&nbsp; What I found was so much different - PEACE.&nbsp; I was finally HOME.&nbsp; That may be hard for my family to hear, but when you finally realize you are just where God wanted you, it is amazing.<br /><br />So I am home now God, how do you want me to serve you?&nbsp; By teaching my children in your classroom, by showing love to the people in my churches, by shining my light for all the world to see.&nbsp; No problem as long as you are with me.&nbsp; "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIVThe Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5100285165730845505.post-76325795372030553072012-10-11T04:57:00.002-07:002012-10-11T04:57:19.654-07:00The CallWhat is a call and why did God choose me? That is a question that I have often asked myself. In 2007, I heard the call, like Abraham, to go to a land that God would show us. He wanted us to follow him to Africa to serve him. I will send you to serve the people in Africa by assisting the Kelley family in ministry.<br />The journey has been long, but so rewarding. Walking with God and seeing his purpose and plan is amazing sometimes. I love how Oswald Chambers states in “The Utmost For HIs Highest” about the Called of God. He says, “The call of God is not for the special few, it is for everyone.Whether or not I hear God’s call depends upon the state of my ears; and what I hear depends on my disposition.” So I followed God on a journey of exploration of freedom in him. Peace that is never ending and joy from a creator that asked me to follow him. So I ask the question today, are you listening and hearing your call?<br /><div class="sharedaddy sd-like-enabled sd-sharing-enabled" id="jp-post-flair"></div><!-- .entry-content --><footer class="entry-meta"><span class="comments-link"></span></footer>The Call of the Shofarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209204020726520943noreply@blogger.com0